{"id":3942,"date":"2014-02-07T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-02-07T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/?p=3942"},"modified":"2015-01-17T16:26:55","modified_gmt":"2015-01-17T21:26:55","slug":"living-alone-senior-safety-and-security-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/living-alone-senior-safety-and-security-at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Living Alone:  Senior Safety and Security at Home"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>My friend Eileen\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s 90-year-old mother was recently widowed, but nevertheless insisted on staying put in her home despite her children\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s concerns for her safety and security. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Although their mother is healthy and independent and still drives herself around town, Eileen and her brother noticed many safety and security risks around her house that needed attention.<a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-291-independent-living-aids.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-291-independent-living-aids.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-3944\" style=\"margin: 10px;\" title=\"Follow these tips to keep your senior safe and comfortable in their home.\" src=\"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/oldlady.jpg\" alt=\"Home security and safety for seniors\" width=\"407\" height=\"271\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Many seniors, like Eileen\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s mother, prefer the familiarity and comfort of their own home to relocating to an assisted living or retirement community. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0If you&#8217;re like Eileen and have an elderly parent or relative who lives alone, take the time to inspect their home to ensure that it\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s safe and secure.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 A safe home will extend their years of <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-291-independent-living-aids.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-291-independent-living-aids.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">living independently<\/a>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0(and may also lessen your responsibilities as caregiver!). \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Here are some tips to start the process:<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Assess Your Senior\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s Health and Home<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Age and health can make it difficult for seniors to handle all of the requirements of running a household, however, a few modifications to their home can make their daily routine easier and safer. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Start by speaking to their physician to learn of any important physical or mental limitations.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Next, do a walk-through of their house and make a checklist of changes and improvements you need to make.<\/p>\n<p>Many home safety and security issues are common to most seniors, such as the need for brighter lighting in hallways to accommodate decreased vision. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Below are some of the top home safety risks for seniors and some affordable solutions to each.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Top Home Safety Risks for Seniors<\/h2>\n<p><b>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #333399;\"><em><b>Falls<\/b><\/em><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Older people tend to be less steady on their feet making them vulnerable to tripping and falling.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 According to the <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.cdc.gov\/homeandrecreationalsafety\/falls\/adultfalls.html');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/homeandrecreationalsafety\/falls\/adultfalls.html\" target=\"_blank\">CDC<\/a>, falls represent the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries amongst adults.<a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8004-maxsa-innovations-battery-powered-outdoor-night-light.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8004-maxsa-innovations-battery-powered-outdoor-night-light.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" style=\"margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;\" title=\"Use a motion detector night light to automatically light up entryways, hallways and rooms.\" src=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/product\/medium\/8004_3_.jpg\" alt=\"Maxsa Innovations Battery-Powered Outdoor Night Light\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>To prevent dangerous falls in the home, remove throw rugs and other obstacles from the floor; add <strong>grab bars<\/strong> in the tub and shower and next to the toilet; and improve the lighting around the house.<\/li>\n<li>A <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-7937-datexx-pm-302b-sentina-utimer-ultimate-lamp-controller-and-safety-light.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-7937-datexx-pm-302b-sentina-utimer-ultimate-lamp-controller-and-safety-light.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">light sensitive timer<\/a><\/strong> that automatically turns lamps on when the sun goes down will ensure that rooms are well-lit when your senior is awake and moving about the house.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Replace low wattage light bulbs with the brightest bulbs their lighting fixtures will accept.<\/li>\n<li>Better yet, install a\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8004-maxsa-innovations-battery-powered-outdoor-night-light.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8004-maxsa-innovations-battery-powered-outdoor-night-light.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">motion detector night light<\/a>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0with bright LED lights<\/strong> in hallways, bathrooms, basements and outside entryways so they never have to fumble in the dark.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><em><span style=\"color: #333399;\"><b>Fires<\/b><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\n<p>Adults over the age of 65 have an increased chance of dying in a house fire primarily because they&#8217;re less able to take quick action (often due to side affects of medications).\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Older people living alone are particularly vulnerable to fires caused by cigarette smoking, cooking accidents, heating equipment or faulty wiring.<a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8151-bellman-safe-fire-alerting-solution.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8151-bellman-safe-fire-alerting-solution.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" title=\"This fire alarm sounds an extra loud alarm signal, flashing lights and vibrations if smoke is detected.\" src=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/Product\/medium\/8151.jpg\" alt=\"Bellman Safe Fire Alerting Solution\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Check your senior\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s home for potential fire hazards, such as older appliances with frayed wires.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Electric space heaters sitting too close to draperies or other flammables or on a wet bathroom floor\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0are another potential fire hazard.<\/li>\n<li>Make sure that there are <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/which-type-of-smoke-detector-is-best-for-the-kitchen\/\" target=\"_blank\">smoke alarms<\/a><\/strong> <strong>on every level of the house<\/strong> and in sleeping areas and that the batteries are fresh.<\/li>\n<li>If your senior has hearing loss, get a <strong>special smoke detector <\/strong>with a<a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-7800-silent-call-sc-shkup-shake-up-system.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-7800-silent-call-sc-shkup-shake-up-system.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> bed vibrator <\/strong>or<strong> strobe light<\/strong><\/a>.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-402-carbon-monoxide-signalers.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-402-carbon-monoxide-signalers.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Carbon monoxide signalers<\/a><\/strong> with bed vibrators and strobe lights are also available.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><em><span style=\"color: #333399;\"><b>Home Security<\/b><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\n<p>Older adults living alone are often victims of robberies, burglaries, assault and fraud. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Help your senior decrease his\/her chance of being a crime target by following these safety tips:<a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8290-sti-rex-plus-ii-electronic-watchdog-ed-55.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8290-sti-rex-plus-ii-electronic-watchdog-ed-55.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" title=\"This electronic watchdog begins barking when it detects movement.\" src=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/Product\/medium\/8290.jpg\" alt=\" STI- Rex Plus II Electronic Watchdog ED-55\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Remind them to never open doors to strangers.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 A <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-5996-chamberlain-ndis-wireless-doorbell-intercom-system.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-5996-chamberlain-ndis-wireless-doorbell-intercom-system.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">wireless doorbell and intercom system<\/a><\/strong> will allow them to answer the door without getting up or opening it.<\/li>\n<li>Keep windows, doors and garages locked at all times.<\/li>\n<li>Trim back bushes and shrubs and illuminate outside entrances and driveways to make it harder for intruders to hide \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 consider installing a <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8008-maxsa-innovations-40110-solar-powered-30-watt-halogen-security-floodlight.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8008-maxsa-innovations-40110-solar-powered-30-watt-halogen-security-floodlight.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">solar-powered emergency floodlight<\/a><\/strong> that turns on automatically when motion is detected.<\/li>\n<li>Install a <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6203-rokonet-wisdom-wireless-security-system-bonus-kit-wkeypad.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6203-rokonet-wisdom-wireless-security-system-bonus-kit-wkeypad.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">home alarm system<\/a><\/strong> that automatically dials preset emergency phone numbers when the alarm is activated. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Choose a system with a <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6210-rokonet-wisdom-wireless-pendant-panic-transmitter.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6210-rokonet-wisdom-wireless-pendant-panic-transmitter.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">panic pendant<\/a><\/strong> that can be carried or worn around the neck for extra security.<\/li>\n<li>The sound of a barking dog is a very effective way to deter burglars, but since owning a dog is not practical for many seniors, get them an <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8290-sti-rex-plus-ii-electronic-watchdog-ed-55.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8290-sti-rex-plus-ii-electronic-watchdog-ed-55.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">electronic watchdog<\/a><\/strong> that \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201csees\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d through thick doors, walls and glass and begins barking when there\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s movement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><em><span style=\"color: #333399;\"><b>Medical Emergencies<\/b><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\n<p>Regardless of how diligent you are, a medical emergency can happen at any time and a sick or injured senior may not be able to get to a telephone.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 A <strong>medical alert system with a wearable pendant<\/strong> provides them with a reliable way to summon for help in the event of a medical emergency.<a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9058-oplink-security-connected-care-wireless-system.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9058-oplink-security-connected-care-wireless-system.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" title=\"Caregivers can control the Oplink Connected Care system through their smartphone.\" src=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/product\/medium\/9058_3_.jpg\" alt=\"Oplink Security Connected Care Wireless System\" width=\"210\" height=\"210\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>For seniors with a severe chronic illness, a <strong>professional medical alert service<\/strong> with trained operators may be the best choice.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Expect to pay about $25 to $30 a month.<\/li>\n<li>For healthy seniors, consider buying a <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/for-everyones-peace-of-mind-give-your-senior-a-personal-alert-system\/\" target=\"_blank\">personal alert system<\/a><\/strong> for a low-cost alternative to leasing the equipment.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 These devices have many of the same features, such as two-way communication, and allow the user to call family or friends if they need help.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Some <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-7340-freedomalert-system-35911-personal-emergency-response-system.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-7340-freedomalert-system-35911-personal-emergency-response-system.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">personal alert systems can also call 911<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>You can also purchase an in-home monitoring and emergency alert system that lets caregivers <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9058-oplink-security-connected-care-wireless-system.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9058-oplink-security-connected-care-wireless-system.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>control the entire system through their smartphone<\/strong><\/a>. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0By adding IP cameras, caregivers can also monitor live video of their senior at home. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0The system includes two panic buttons which send alerts to a caregiver&#8217;s smartphone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><em><span style=\"color: #333399;\"><b>Medication Errors<\/b><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\n<p><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-7768-med-e-lert-hc-pdispense-automatic-pill-dispenser-with-alarm.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-7768-med-e-lert-hc-pdispense-automatic-pill-dispenser-with-alarm.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" style=\"margin: 10px;\" title=\"This device is both a medication reminder and automated pill dispenser.\" src=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/Product\/medium\/7768.jpg\" alt=\"Med-E-Lert HC-PDISPENSE Automatic Pill Dispenser with Alarm\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" \/><\/a>Most seniors take some kind of daily medication and many take multiple pills at various times of the days.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 An <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-7768-med-e-lert-hc-pdispense-automatic-pill-dispenser-with-alarm.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-7768-med-e-lert-hc-pdispense-automatic-pill-dispenser-with-alarm.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">automatic pill dispenser<\/a><\/strong> with a \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201creminder alarm\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d is a great way to make sure they taking the right meds at the right time. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0If your senior needs help counting out their pills, you or another caregiver can fill the dispenser each week to be sure the dosages are correct.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>A Happy Ending<\/h2>\n<p>Eileen\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s mother is living happily in her own home and Eileen and her brother are much more comfortable with the situation, now that they\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2ve taken steps to make her home safer and more secure. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0The cost of the improvements to the house were nominal, they say, compared to how less stressed they feel about mom\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s safety and well being.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>My friend Eileen\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s 90-year-old mother was recently widowed, but nevertheless insisted on staying put in her home despite her children\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s concerns for her safety and security. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Although their mother is healthy and independent and still drives herself around town, Eileen and her brother noticed many&hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/living-alone-senior-safety-and-security-at-home\/\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3955,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,189],"tags":[347,420,383,550,92,85,454,545,551,546,547,276,549,471,459,480,511,548],"class_list":["post-3942","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-monitoring-security","category-independent-living-aid","tag-automatic-pill-dispenser","tag-carbon-monoxide-detector","tag-electronic-watchdog","tag-home-alarm-system","tag-home-security-system","tag-independent-living-aids","tag-light-sensitive-timer","tag-motion-detector-night-light","tag-personal-alert-system","tag-smoke-alarm","tag-smoke-detector-with-strobe-light","tag-smoke-detectors","tag-solar-powered-floodlight","tag-timers","tag-vibrating-bed-shaker","tag-vibrating-fire-and-smoke-alarm","tag-wireless-doorbell","tag-wireless-doorbell-and-intercom","clearfix"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3942","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3942"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3942\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4959,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3942\/revisions\/4959"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3955"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3942"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3942"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3942"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}